Kasich budget the beginning of long debate

Just two weeks after Gov. John Kasich's budget proposal was revealed to the public, there's already plenty of hand-wringing and screaming to go around - from school officials concerned about how many districts are getting more money to newspapers complaining over a proposed tax on ad sales to many more.

Democrats are crying about the taxes on small business. There is stopohiojobkillers.com, a website maintained by the Ohio Republican Party designed to attack certain Democrats who dare challenge Kasich's proposal.

Some Republicans aren't finding sunshine and smiles in the governor's budget proposals, particularly when it comes to increasing sales taxes and expanding Medicaid. State Treasurer Josh Mandel already has opposed the governor's intention to expand Medicaid.

Listen, we're not too excited about the idea of asking our customers for more money when they pay for ads - particularly when small, local businesses might be taxed and some big box retailers might not be, according to our read of the proposal - but we're monitoring that situation and asking questions privately while preparing what we'll tell our customers. That is, if the budget passes as is.

In this "speak quickly, think later" society, it's easy to accept everything in a budget proposal as a threat, particularly when there's no shortage of people telling you the sky is falling. What's more prudent, however, is letting the legislative process work.

Just to be clear: It's fine to be concerned about what you see in the budget plan.

Few people begrudge any Ohioan the ability to question what's in the governor's plan, particularly when it comes to school funding. However, rather than have a knee-jerk reaction to what has been proposed in the budget, it's best to wait and see.

Make sure you have the facts instead of relying on hearsay and conjecture, then communicate through your local state representative or state senator any concerns or questions you might have.

Seek out your legislators. We're sure they will conduct town hall meetings regarding the budget in the coming months, and if they don't, we'll set one up for them. Ask them questions and demand answers. Make them ask the tough questions of the administration.

Ultimately, however, the process has to work itself out. The lobbyists are going to do their thing. Some of the politicians are going to play politics. The people need to speak up after getting the correct information.